Weeping

Hebrews 5:7

“During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.”

Matthew 26:75

“Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: ‘Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.’ And he went outside and wept bitterly.”

Revelation 5:4

“I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside.”

As boys, we most likely heard someone say, “Real men don’t cry”. We were trained to hold in our emotions, especially sadness, anger or pain; and, we might have been subject to great embarrassment or ridicule if we broke down. Even if we were alone, we subjected ourselves to self-condemnation.

There is no calculating how much damage has been done in our families, or society in general, by the fact that men will not express their most tender of emotions in weeping.

There is something about the anointing and presence of God after salvation that brings tears of joy and thankfulness as we focus on His Goodness towards us. Sometimes there may be tears of regret when we consider how we used to be before being saved and transformed. I am not ashamed of my tears. When I consider the passages today, three men I deeply admire and respect were overcome with weeping. These were the strongest of men!

TODAY’S CHALLENGE:

Express your emotions to your Father. Don’t be ashamed to cry. You are in good company.

Dive Deeper: Study Matthew 26; Mark 14:72; John 11:35; John 20:11.